About 40 years ago, there was huge concern about the hole in the ozone layer and its impact on earth. Caused by use of CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons), any reduction in the ozone layer threatened increased levels of UV (ultraviolet) radiation – damaging our health, marine life, plants and crops.
Every country signed the Montreal Protocol, banned the manufacture and use of CFCs and, as a result, the hole is much reduced in size.
In 2015, the UK was one of 195 countries signing the Paris Agreement at COP21 committing us to limiting global warming to 1.5°C by ensuring that greenhouse gas emissions peak by 2025 and decline 43% by 2030.
Cheshire East Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019. But they, we and leaders around the world have not acted with equal urgency to deliver. For example, why does the Council not definitively protect Danes Moss, right now? This year is expected to be the hottest on record, again. Unless we act now, our lives, here, in Macclesfield, will change. Famine, floods, unrest are already becoming more frequent in neighbouring countries and will reach us.
So, what is stopping you, personally, from taking action today?
Do you believe that climate change is real and caused by human action, given the evidence from 99% of climate scientists? Is it too terrifying to think that our children and grandchildren may die on a planet which can no longer sustain life? Is the cost of change “too high”, the problem “too difficult”?
The good news is that we caused the climate emergency and we can address it. The sooner we act, the lower the cost.
Amanda Iremonger